A California jury has awarded $50 million to a delivery driver who suffered severe burns after a Starbucks tea spilled onto his lap at a drive-thru. The victim, Michael Garcia, claimed that a poorly secured cup led to third-degree burns and permanent injuries, according to NBC News.
Garcia’s attorneys argued that Starbucks was negligent in handling hot beverages, leading to catastrophic injuries that required multiple surgeries. Starbucks has denied fault and plans to appeal the verdict, claiming the damages awarded are excessive.
This case draws comparisons to the infamous McDonald’s hot coffee lawsuit, which also raised questions about corporate responsibility in serving hot beverages safely. Will this ruling lead to policy changes in the industry?
